Selling a car privately in South Dakota
South Dakota gives both sides useful online tools. As the seller you can file a report of sale through the state's Vehicle Registration and Plates portal, and you can print a seller's permit that lets the buyer drive legally for up to 45 days while their title work is pending. Complete the title assignment with buyer, price, date, and odometer reading; check your title's signature line, and if it calls for a notary, sign in front of one.
The buyer has 45 days to title at their county treasurer's office and pays South Dakota's 4% motor vehicle excise tax there. South Dakota plates belong to the owner: remove yours at handoff and ask the county treasurer about transferring them to your next vehicle. A dated bill of sale rounds out your records.
The checklist
- 1
Complete the title assignment (South Dakota)
Buyer, price, date, and odometer on the South Dakota title. If your title's signature line calls for a notary, sign in front of one.
- 2
File the report of sale and print a seller's permit
Both are available through the state's online Vehicle Registration and Plates portal; the permit covers the buyer for up to 45 days.
- 3
Remove your license plates
South Dakota plates belong to the owner. Take yours off and ask the county treasurer about transfer.
- 4
Verify your title status
Locate the physical title and confirm it is in your name with no undisclosed liens. If the title is lost, request a duplicate before listing.
- 5
Complete a bill of sale
Recommended for every private sale even where not required. Record buyer/seller names, VIN, price, date, and an as-is acknowledgement. Both parties keep a copy.
- 6
Complete the odometer disclosure
Federal rules require odometer disclosure for most vehicles under 20 model years old. Usually done on the title itself; some states use a separate form.
- 7
File a release of liability / notice of sale
If your state offers it, file promptly after the sale so you are not liable for tickets or incidents after the buyer drives away.
- 8
Handle plates per your state's rules
In most states the seller removes the plates; in some, plates stay with the vehicle. Confirm your state's rule before handing over the keys.
- 9
Pay off any lien before or at transfer
If a lien remains, coordinate payoff with the lender so the buyer can receive a clear title. Do not sign over a title with an unreleased lien.
- 10
Confirm payment before signing the title
Verify cash, or use a cashier's check verified with the issuing bank, or complete the transfer inside the buyer's bank. Never release the signed title before funds are confirmed.
- 11
Keep copies of everything
Photograph or copy the signed title (both sides), bill of sale, odometer disclosure, and the buyer's ID if they consent.
- 12
Check official state instructions
Requirements change. Confirm the current process on your state DMV / motor vehicle agency website before the sale.
Generate your South Dakota sale packet
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Start your free beta packetSouth Dakota private sale FAQ
Does a South Dakota car title need to be notarized?
Check the signature line on your specific title; some South Dakota title stock calls for notarization of the seller's signature. If in doubt, sign at the county treasurer's office or in front of a notary.
What is a South Dakota seller's permit?
A permit you can print from the state's online portal (or get at the county treasurer) that lets the buyer drive legally for up to 45 days while they complete the title transfer.
How do I report the sale in South Dakota?
Log into the state's Vehicle Registration and Plates portal, select the vehicle, and choose report of sale. It records the sale date on your record.
What does the buyer pay in a South Dakota private sale?
The 4% motor vehicle excise tax on the purchase price plus title and registration fees, at their county treasurer within 45 days.
Selling a special situation?
Other states
Bold states have a state-specific guide; others use the general checklist.
Last reviewed Jul 13, 2026. This is a general checklist, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your state DMV or tax office.